Bubbler Socks?
 

I noticed that my bubbler is struggling to bubble as it gets colder. I
imagine it will fail, when the real cold gets here. I've seen a few of you
talk about keeping your bubbler inside, but then the condensation builds up
in the long airline. My bubbler only has about 16" of airline attached to
it. So how about heating just the bubbler itself? A few watts should do it,
especially if you could put inside the case. Perhaps something low tech,
like a hunting sock for your bubbler?

Anyone tried any of these or have any better ideas?

"Bill Stock" wrote in message
...
I noticed that my bubbler is struggling to bubble as it gets colder. I
imagine it will fail, when the real cold gets here. I've seen a few of you
talk about keeping your bubbler inside, but then the condensation builds
up
in the long airline. My bubbler only has about 16" of airline attached to
it. So how about heating just the bubbler itself? A few watts should do
it,
especially if you could put inside the case. Perhaps something low tech,
like a hunting sock for your bubbler?

Anyone tried any of these or have any better ideas?

Talking to myself again.

It seems the astro boys (telescopes), just use wire wound resistors inside a
PVC tube to generate heat to warm their lenses. This is run at something
like 12 volts with high wattage resistors. But I had another thought, build
a PVC/ABS cave (pipe + end cap) and install a light socket (insulated) in
the end cap. A VERY (7W+) small bulb should provide enough heat to warm your
bubbler, especially if you insulate the other end of your bubbler tube.

"Bill Stock" wrote in message
...
I noticed that my bubbler is struggling to bubble as it gets colder. I
imagine it will fail, when the real cold gets here. I've seen a few of you
talk about keeping your bubbler inside, but then the condensation builds
up
in the long airline. My bubbler only has about 16" of airline attached to
it. So how about heating just the bubbler itself? A few watts should do
it,
especially if you could put inside the case. Perhaps something low tech,
like a hunting sock for your bubbler?

Anyone tried any of these or have any better ideas?

Talking to myself again.

It seems the astro boys (telescopes), just use wire wound resistors inside a
PVC tube to generate heat to warm their lenses. This is run at something
like 12 volts with high wattage resistors. But I had another thought, build
a PVC/ABS cave (pipe + end cap) and install a light socket (insulated) in
the end cap. A VERY (7W+) small bulb should provide enough heat to warm your
bubbler, especially if you insulate the other end of your bubbler tube.

Bill Stock wrote:

I noticed that my bubbler is struggling to bubble as it gets colder. I
imagine it will fail, when the real cold gets here. I've seen a few of you
talk about keeping your bubbler inside, but then the condensation builds
up in the long airline.

I had no trouble in St. Thomas, ON, getting it to bubble on the coldest
days. You _will_ need spare diaphragms for the pump though. They don't
hold up well to major cold and I would go through two in a winter.
--
derek

"Derek Broughton" wrote in message
...
Bill Stock wrote:

I noticed that my bubbler is struggling to bubble as it gets colder. I
imagine it will fail, when the real cold gets here. I've seen a few of
you
talk about keeping your bubbler inside, but then the condensation builds
up in the long airline.

I had no trouble in St. Thomas, ON, getting it to bubble on the coldest
days. You _will_ need spare diaphragms for the pump though. They don't
hold up well to major cold and I would go through two in a winter.
--
derek

Thanks Derek.

I'm really noticing the reduced output even at these temps and I'd like to
avoid the new diaphragms.

So I built my 12W container (Cashew jar) out of some junk in the electronics
box. So far it's keeping the box 30° C above ambient. But, once the pump
starts sucking cold air into the box? I think the 12W will be overwhelmed.
Perhaps a heated sock is the way to go. More testing required.